The Hills are Bare in Bethlehem

Appropriate for use during Pentecost, Christmas, or for general worship, this piece has two alternate titles of "Lone, Wild Bird" and "Creating God, Your Fingers Trace." Sparse chord voicing and parallel intervals accompany the forceful mart lifts to enhance the early-American feel of the piece. The optional violin part, reminiscent of an Appalachian fiddle, doubles the melody and then creates a moving counter melody in the final secion. Flowing LVs in the middle section support the lovely, traditional tune, and the piece culminates with a grand, majestic ending.